How to Fix Arlo Doorbell Not Connecting to WiFi?

The Arlo Video Doorbell is a great smart home device, but WiFi connectivity issues can make it frustrating. If your Arlo doorbell refuses to connect to WiFi during setup or keeps going offline after working fine for a while, the problem is usually related to your WiFi signal, router settings, or the doorbell itself.

Here is how to fix it.

Check Your WiFi Frequency Band

This is the number one reason Arlo doorbells fail to connect. The Arlo Video Doorbell only supports 2.4GHz WiFi networks. If your router is set to broadcast only on 5GHz or if your 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks share the same name, the doorbell may try to connect to the 5GHz band and fail.

Log into your router settings and make sure the 2.4GHz band is enabled with a separate network name. For example, name your 2.4GHz network HomeWiFi and your 5GHz network HomeWiFi-5G. Connect the Arlo doorbell to the 2.4GHz network specifically.

Move Your Router Closer

The Arlo doorbell is installed outside your home where the WiFi signal is naturally weaker due to walls, doors, and distance. Check the signal strength in the Arlo app under Device Settings. If the signal shows one or two bars, the doorbell is too far from the router.

Solutions include moving your router closer to the front door, adding a WiFi extender or mesh node near the door area, or using an Arlo SmartHub which provides a stronger dedicated connection for Arlo devices.

Power Cycle the Doorbell and Router

A simple restart can fix many connection issues:

If your Arlo doorbell is wired, turn off the breaker that powers it for 30 seconds then turn it back on
If it is the battery version, remove the doorbell from the mount and take the battery out for 30 seconds
Also unplug your WiFi router for 60 seconds and plug it back in
Wait for the router to fully boot up before trying to reconnect the doorbell

Reset the Arlo Doorbell

If the doorbell still will not connect, try a factory reset:

Find the reset button on the back of the Arlo doorbell
Press and hold it for about 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber
Release the button and wait for the doorbell to restart
Open the Arlo app and set up the doorbell as a new device

Check Router Security Settings

Some router security settings can block the Arlo doorbell from connecting:

Make sure your WiFi security is set to WPA2-PSK. The Arlo doorbell does not work well with WPA3 on some routers
Disable MAC address filtering or add the Arlo doorbell MAC address to the allowed list
Disable AP isolation or client isolation if enabled â€” this prevents devices on the same network from communicating
Make sure UPnP is enabled on your router

Update the Arlo App and Firmware

An outdated app or firmware can cause connectivity problems. Update the Arlo app from the App Store or Google Play to the latest version. Then check for firmware updates in the Arlo app under Device Settings then Firmware Update. Install any available updates and try connecting again.

Check Your Internet Speed

The Arlo doorbell requires a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps for smooth video streaming. Run a speed test on your phone while standing near the doorbell location. If the upload speed is below 2 Mbps, the doorbell may connect but drop frequently. Contact your ISP to upgrade your plan or consider a WiFi mesh system to improve coverage at the door.

Arlo Doorbell WiFi Connection FAQ

Q1. Can I use the Arlo doorbell without WiFi?

Ans: No, the Arlo Video Doorbell requires a WiFi connection to function. Without WiFi it cannot send video to the Arlo app, deliver motion alerts, or enable two-way audio when someone presses the button. The doorbell will still ring your existing indoor chime if it is wired, but none of the smart features will work without an active WiFi connection.

Q2. Why does my Arlo doorbell keep disconnecting from WiFi at night?

Ans: This is commonly caused by your router switching WiFi channels automatically during low-traffic hours at night. When the router changes channels, the doorbell temporarily loses connection and has to reconnect. Fix this by logging into your router and setting the 2.4GHz channel to a fixed channel like 1, 6, or 11 instead of Auto. Also check if your router has a power-saving mode that reduces WiFi signal strength during off-peak hours and disable it.

Q3. Does the Arlo doorbell work with mesh WiFi systems like Eero or Google WiFi?

Ans: Yes, the Arlo doorbell works well with mesh WiFi systems like Eero, Google WiFi, Orbi, and others. In fact, mesh systems are often the best solution for Arlo doorbells because they provide strong WiFi coverage at the front door where traditional routers may have weak signal. Make sure you have a mesh node placed near the door and that the mesh system 2.4GHz band is accessible. Some mesh systems combine 2.4GHz and 5GHz into one network name which usually works fine with Arlo since the mesh handles band steering automatically.